Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut

About this plant

The Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut (Aesculus X Carnea 'Fort McNair') is a distinguished shade tree renowned for its captivating spring display. In late spring to early summer, it produces abundant upright panicles of showy, pinkish-red flowers with yellow throats, creating a spectacular focal point in any landscape. Beyond its striking blooms, this cultivar boasts lush, dark green palmate leaves that provide excellent shade throughout the warmer months. Its dense, rounded canopy offers a classic ornamental silhouette. This hybrid, a cross between Common Horsechestnut and Red Buckeye, combines the best attributes of both parents, offering superior disease resistance and a more compact form. Ideal for larger residential landscapes, parks, and street plantings, the Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Its ornamental appeal and relatively low maintenance make it a prized addition for those seeking an elegant and long-lasting shade tree.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to establish and maintain health. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches and to shape the canopy. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.